YAM(edical)T: what is the difference between an Ophthalmology dr and a Optometrist?

[gotsmack]

I noticed this black patch on the white of my eye, maybe a pool of dead blood?

I want to get it checked out which guy do I go to I've got both types of doctors in my town. Would I go to the same guy to check for cateract and glaucoma?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Yossarian]

I believe an opthamologist is an eye doctor and an optometrist is more limited and only does things like prescriptions for glasses. I could be totally wrong though.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Opthalmologist fer j00

 

[Colt45]

just cut the black part off with a steak knife... should save you some money!

 

[Spoooon]

An opthalmologist is medical doctor. I think I would see the opthalmologist if I were you.

 

[amnesiac]

You probably have a burst capillary in your eye. Probably nothing big and it will go away but could also be the sign of something serious. Optometrist will tell you to see an opthamologist.

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: amnesiac
You probably have a burst capillary in your eye. Probably nothing big and it will go away but could also be the sign of something serious. Optometrist will tell you to see an opthamologist.

can the opthamologist check for cateract and glaucoma too?

 

[777php]

Opthamologist perform surgeries such as cataracts, lasik, etc.., as they have to go to medical school and specialize in opthmology. Optometrist also go through four years of grad school but it is more specialized and are not allowed to perform surgeries.

I would go check out an optometrist first and then if necessary, be referred to an opthamologist.

 

[Amused]

oph·thal·mol·o·gy
Pronunciation: -'mä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Date: circa 1842
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye

optometry

\Op*tom"e*try\, n. 1. (Med.) Measurement of the range of vision, esp. by means of the optometer.

2. As defined (with minor variations) in the statutes of various States of the United States: (a) ``The employment of subjective and objective mechanical means to determine the accomodative and refractive states of the eye and the scope of its function in general.'' (b) ``The employment of any means, other than the use of drugs, for the measurement of the powers of vision and adaptation of lenses for the aid thereof.''

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: Amused
oph·thal·mol·o·gy
Pronunciation: -'mä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Date: circa 1842
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye

optometry

\Op*tom"e*try\, n. 1. (Med.) Measurement of the range of vision, esp. by means of the optometer.

2. As defined (with minor variations) in the statutes of various States of the United States: (a) ``The employment of subjective and objective mechanical means to determine the accomodative and refractive states of the eye and the scope of its function in general.'' (b) ``The employment of any means, other than the use of drugs, for the measurement of the powers of vision and adaptation of lenses for the aid thereof.''

I looked up the definition of each before I posted and It didn't help. I don't need surgery, I just want to get my eye checked for stuff.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: gotsmack

Originally posted by: Amused
oph·thal·mol·o·gy
Pronunciation: -'mä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Date: circa 1842
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye

optometry

\Op*tom"e*try\, n. 1. (Med.) Measurement of the range of vision, esp. by means of the optometer.

2. As defined (with minor variations) in the statutes of various States of the United States: (a) ``The employment of subjective and objective mechanical means to determine the accomodative and refractive states of the eye and the scope of its function in general.'' (b) ``The employment of any means, other than the use of drugs, for the measurement of the powers of vision and adaptation of lenses for the aid thereof.''

I looked up the definition of each before I posted and It didn't help. I don't need surgery, I just want to get my eye checked for stuff.

Basically, an ompthamologist is an eye doctor, and an optometrist is a corrective lenses doctor. If you believe you have an eye injury or disease, go to an opthamologist. If you need glasses, go to an optometrist.

 

[Hanpan]

Go to an omptomentrist first. If they feel you need more specialized treatment they will refer you to an opthamologist.

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: Hanpan
Go to an omptomentrist first. If they feel you need more specialized treatment they will refer you to an opthamologist.

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!


you just went against the advice that everyone else was giving me! Can the optometrist check for glaucoma?

I don't want to go see the doctor twice.

I think I'll just call the Ophthalmologist tomorrow and ask him.